It said the festive period can be a tough time of the year, with one third of calls made on Christmas Day from people who were lonely or isolated.

Emma Gale, who now supports the charity after needing its help, said: “In the run up to Christmas 2016 I was sent home from hospital. I felt ill, very lonely and a burden to everyone around me. I decided my family would be far better off without me and made plans to end my life.”